I must have Brigitte, the resin chick in silver lamé. I suggest you sell everything else for a large sum of money, book a flight to Holland to see your in-laws, but bring Brigitte with you and make a quick side trip to France. I will meet you to collect Brigitte, then I'll take you to a vide grenier or two so you can pick up more treasures to take back to Illinois, show them off on Antique Roadshow and make another large sum of money.

BTW, as Allan notes below, you might be an impoverished writer (join the club) but you certainly don't fit the descriptor poor. I love this piece, I read it after a descent into gloom brought about by the daily news and it made me smile again. Thanks.